Speaking paper code: 5ARO2. Old Specification - See updated 2017.
For GCSE Arabic this is the first paper that the student will need to prepare for. Even if you are an Arab you will still need to organise your topics.
The two themes:
1. Media, Travel or Culture.
2. Sport, Leisure or Work.
If you choose a topic from the first theme, like travel (a holiday or trip), then you will need to choose a topic from the second theme, like sport (a favourite football team).
You are not allowed to read from a script for the speaking paper.
The two sections:
In section A the student speaks about a topic from theme 1. They can speak freely without the use of any props or they can use a picture to talk about. After completing the speaking the examiner will ask a number of questions for at least 2 minutes on the first topic in section A.
In section B the student interacts with the examiner in a general conversation based on some questions which the student will respond to for 4-5 minutes. Once section B is complete the exam is over.
Duration:
The speaking paper lasts for between 8 minutes minimum and 10 minutes maximum. Each section (A and B) is 4 minutes minimum and 5 minutes maximum.
The remaining papers:
The reading and listening papers are done on the same day, in June. The writing paper is the last paper, done on a separate day to the reading and listening papers, also in June.